Difficult Legislative Session Ahead
When the 124th Maine Legislature convenes for its special session in January, it will have a limited, but difficult, agenda. The major problem that clouds almost every issue is the national recession and its negative impact on state revenues and expenditures.
By extension, MEA expects this to be a difficult session for educators, with the preservation of student programs and learning opportunities
"There are no easy answers," warns MEA President Chris Galgay. "We are going to have to work through the budget process one step at a time and advocate for adequate funding of public education at every opportunity."
The immediate challenge is dealing with declining state revenues, which translate into cuts in state aid to K-12 schools and higher education. If proposed budget reductions are carried out, funding for K-12 schools will drop by $110 million from 2008 through 2011. Cuts to the University of Maine System total $15 million while Community Colleges get a $4.2 million hit.
Governor John Baldacci and leaders of the Republican Party are publicly opposed to any temporary increases in taxes, leaving little maneuvering room for legislators, other than deciding where the cuts will fall.
"Should the recession continue or get worse, the cuts to schools and social services may become so unacceptable, state leaders will have to reconsider their 'no tax' position," says Galgay. "We believe all options have to be on the table, including increased revenues."
MEA is meeting with legislative leaders, the Governor's staff, and Commissioner of Education Susan Gendron on a regular basis to keep abreast of revenue forecasts and potential reductions in state aid.
"We will keep members informed about this critical situation," advises Galgay, "and we will be asking for your help in a campaign to maintain adequate funds for public education."
Although everything else is dwarfed by the funding issue, MEA will have an active legislative calendar dealing with school consolidation, federal state stabilization funds, and the application for the federal Race to The Top program (RTTP).
MEA will work to refine the school consolidation law and make it work for those schools that were disadvantaged by or reluctant to comply with first round of consolidation.
A number of statutory changes in Maine law are being considered in order to make an application for RTTP grant monies. Some, such as a concept for Innovative Schools, have merit while others, such as the removal of the statutory prohibition against linking student assessment data to teacher evaluations, are problematical.
For more information on the legislative session as it develops, check your weekly MEA Newbrief and this website.
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